LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz.

Brittney Whiting, 56th Force Support Squadron recreation assistant, and Don Harris, 56th FSS auto hobby shop manager, talk with a retiree about the services they offer during Retiree Appreciation Day at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, Nov. 7, 2015. There were several base volunteers in attendance to support the retirees from various units. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman James Hensley)

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz.

Col. David Shoemaker, 56th Fighter Wing vice commander, hands the retiree activities office volunteer of the year plaque to Stephen Smith, Retired Activities Office civilian, during Retiree Appreciation Day at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, Nov. 7, 2015. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman James Hensley)

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz.

Senior Airman Kyle King, 56th Medical Operations Squadron medical technician, checks the blood pressure on a retiree during Retiree Appreciation Day at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, Nov. 7, 2015. The checkup was free and was designed to educated retirees on benefits and services available to them. Retirees were also afforded the opportunity to receive the influenza vaccine. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman James Hensley)

Helping those who came before us

Published Nov. 10, 2015
By Senior Airman James Hensley
56th Fighter Wing Public Affairs

LUKE AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. -- The Luke Bryant Fitness Center hosted the Retiree Appreciation Day Nov. 7, 2015. It was a day to give retirees a chance to come together and see what direction the Air Force is going.

"It was a full house with a number of activities and resources available for the retirees," said Capt. Chuck Henderlite, 56th Force Support Squadron sustainment services flight commander. "We had demonstrations from military working dogs and the explosive ordnance disposal units. This event allows retirees to grab any one of us to share their experiences and gives Luke the opportunity to honor those who came before us. We really appreciate our retirees and will continue to support them."

When it came to showing support for those who came before them, Luke Airmen came through for the retirees.

"Everyone was on board for making this happen for the retirees and there wasn't a shortage of people to help," Henderlite said.

There were several volunteers from various units who came out to support the retirees including the Airmen from the 56th Medical Group, 56th FSS, 56th Security Forces Squadron and the 56th Civil Engineer Squadron. There were also some off-base organizations in attendance including Veterans Affairs, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars.

With so many volunteer organizations and knowledge to share with retirees, it's important to take a step back to remember why.

"I think this event gives retirees perspective on what's being done today and keeps them connected," said Maj. Bill Best, retired. "I think the retirees really like it and there's great participation and knowledgeable people from the 56th Fighter Wing units. I liked the EOD and military working dogs demonstrations. We appreciate Luke for putting this event on and that they still care about retirees."